Lock springs

[Pyrhhus]

** let me preface by apologizing for another one of those annoying how/where do i buy blah blah blah blah blah posts. I did a search and also checked the FAQ sticky on buying stuff and still could not find what I was searching for**


So basically, I was trying to remove some pin stacks on an ACE brand padlock in order to really practice feeling for the shear line. Anyway, in the process of un-pinning and re-pinning the lock several times, I managed to mangle two of the springs pretty good. So, a couple questions:


I have seen re-pinning kits (usually specific to a single brand of lock) and I am wondering Is possible to buy just replacement springs for this kind of lock?

I know springs are not all of equal quality, but is there a standard more or less when it comes to buying these things so that most will at fit in the pin-stack hole (is that what it is called, I have no clue)?

Where could I buy said springs?

Anyway, apologies again for the "what to buy" post, but any help would be greatly appreciated

-P

[Pyrhhus]

Oh, I forgot to add, is it worthwhile to maybe just buy one of these re-pinning kits? If so, is there any one that has parts that fit a greater majority of locks that some of the single-brand kits?

[datagram]

If it is just a single padlock that you want these for I would say the repinning kit is way overkill. They are usually real expensive (+$100) in comparison to buying a new lock ($20-50, depending on model).

dg

[Pyrhhus]

Well, I was hoping to repair the lock I had. I may be way off base here, but $20-$50 sounds a bit pricey for 2 measly springs? Is there any way to just buy a packet of replacement springs? After all, this sort of thing is bound to happen on another lock at some point, so I might as well have a stockpile of spare springs. A pin kit might be the way to go if the pins were not specific to one brand or a limited number of brands of locks. Plus I am pretty careful and tend not to lose pins.

[globallockytoo]

I'm not sure whether or not you will be able to buy from them but Major Manufacturing www.majormfg.com sell tangle resistant springs in a 250 pack.

[barbarian]

I would try to find a spare lock or two of the same type and rob them for parts if the springs must be "stock". This would give you additional pins to experiment with too.

The other thing you might do is try any spring that will fit. Like maybe from another type of lock. This could give you a bit of a different feel for that pin stack. It might be a challenge.

Failing that there is always ebay.

[poor paperclip picker]

You could always check with a local locksmith.

[Pyrhhus]

Thanks for the info all. I am trying that site now.

I actually visited a locksmith in the meantime and asked them if they sold them and get this: he said "we aren't supposed to sell lock parts to anyone but licensed locksmiths." Now, I am aware of the security responsibilities that come with being a locksmith, but to try to make the argument that tiny springs are somehow "controlled merchandise" is stretching it a bit in my mind. If it was a key blank or something else that may need to be controlled that I would understand. /end rant. Fortunately he was nice and gave me a few springs anyway

[jimb]

These should work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lab-Kwikset-Pin-Springs-1777-StainlessSteel-Locksmith_W0QQitemZ110301576950QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110301576950&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Pyrhhus]

Thanks a lot jimb, that really helped. I also found a site called MrLock.com that sold springs. Anybody know if this site is any good or legit?

Thanks